You are here

Trains Reading List

This colorful book doubles as a lesson about train cars. Readers learn the name of the cars by starting at the end with the red caboose and finishing up with the black steam engine. In between, other cars are named and have their own unique, bold colors. But this isn’t a stationary train, but a moving one, whose form becomes blurry as it increases speed. Children will feel the excitement and energy as the train moves through tunnels, by cities, and over trestles. A great book for learning and fun.

All aboard for an exciting overnight train trip! Experience the sights and sounds of riding the rails as the miles whiz by and day becomes night. Visit the dining car for a bite to eat before you settle down to sleep. Dramatic illustrations enhance the experience of travel on an overnight train.

Have you seen the “Goodnight Train?” It is getting ready to roll. The sleepers are ready. Climb aboard! Up the hill and round the curve, off it rolls toward Dreamland. Across the plain and through farms of fuzzy sheep, it pushes toward the station’s light. Sweet dreams ahead. Have you fallen asleep on the “Goodnight Train?” This rhyming story gently lulls you to sleep. The use of onomatopoeia and the rhythm of the words make the entire story sound like a train coming down the tracks.

A black engine goes down the track with a "chug-a-chug-chug and clickety- clack". As it goes it passes towns, farms, and a little boy waving on a hill. What is it carrying? Its passengers include logs, hogs, and cows. Like many train picture books, this story shows the many cars of the train with a red caboose in the back. This book stands out because it begins with a little boy anticipating the train and ends with the same boy, as well as parts of the beginning text are repeated at the end. The scenes of the book include both faraway and upclose views. Saaf's pictures are ideal for young children with their large shapes and vibrant colors.

This familiar children's song takes on a new twist as the little train travels around the countryside picking up young animals for a day at the zoo. Children will love singing along with this delightfully told story. Be sure to look for a little red balloon on every page. Beautifully illustrated and lots of fun to read together.

Here comes the little train! Can it possibly hold a very large walrus, a very large bear and an even larger elephant who all want to go shopping in town? The conductor is certainly surprised when they all fit. But can he get them all back home when they're loaded down with packages of fruit, bread, honey and fish? British author/illustrator Christopher Wormell has created a warm, humorous story that is sure to make pre-schoolers laugh. His illustrations are bright, colorful and the double-page layouts are perfect for this fun train story.